This week my family is treasuring the life of a new baby girl, born to our younger son and his wife. What a joy! We have eagerly awaited her birth for these many months now and breathed a huge sigh of relief when all went smoothly with the delivery. As a nurse, I’m all too aware of the complications that can lead to heartache, so seeing my son and daughter-in-law on Facetime hold their precious gift was a joy beyond measure. I have my airplane reservation already made to visit them very soon and hold the little one in person!!
Another family is treasuring the life of their daughter this week, as well. Sadly, cancer snuffed out the life of 11-year-old Ava, daughter of my older son’s friends from high school. We grieve deeply for this family, remembering the pain of losing our own daughter to cancer 14 years ago.
Life is so fragile and often taken for granted. We go about our day, planning for tomorrow, assuming all will be well. We think we are immune from disasters or diseases—unless they strike on our doorstep, threatening those we love. Then we are forced to face the uncomfortable truth that life is a treasure, never to be taken for granted. And that each breath of existence can be halted at any moment.
So where is our hope in the midst of such despair? It is with Jesus Christ, our treasure in heaven, Who will never leave us or forsake us. Despite the pain we experience here on earth and the fragile nature of life, we can cling to that truth that He loves us. Despite the heartache we see all around us, we can know there is an eternity awaiting us where there is no fear, no tears, and no pain. It is the ultimate joy that awaits us. It is our true home for those who believe in the Savior who died for our sins.
Will you be ready when eternity is just a breath away?
“Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phillipians 3:20 NIV
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14: 1-4, 6-7 NIV